Bushes Release Statement on Charlottesville Violence

HOUSTON -- Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have released a joint statement on the past weekend's violence in Charlottesville:

Author:
KHOU.com Staff & USA TODAY , KHOU

Published:
1:53 PM EDT August 16, 2017

Updated:
1:57 PM EDT August 16, 2017

HOUSTON -- Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have released a joint statement on the past weekend's violence in Charlottesville:

"America must always reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism, and hatred in all forms. As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city’s most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights. We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country."

During a news conference Tuesday, President Trump defended the comment he made Saturday when he said "many sides" were to blame for the that left one woman dead.

Trump's insistence that both sides were at fault in the clash between white supremacists and protesters caused a major uproar on social media.

Earlier in the week, President Bill Clinton tweeted, "Even as we protect free speech and assembly, we must condemn hatred, violence and white supremacy. #Charlottesville." And President Obama posted a series of tweets that have since gone viral.